越南使臣与清代中越宗藩秩序

Vietnam Envoys and Sino-Vietnam Suzerain-vassal Relation in the Qing Dynasty

以朝贡为载体的清代中越宗藩关系,自清初康熙六年恢复确立至光绪十一年法吞蚀越南,历时200余年而终结。期间,作为朝贡国的越南,虽在形式上对中国清朝恭行事大之礼,而实际却为取得对清关系的主动、平等以及获得更多的国家利益而推行"内帝外臣"的邦交之道。因此每逢贡期,都要经过充分的准备,尤其对入清使臣的物色,更是精心挑选。那些肩负着两国邦交使命、深谙中国儒家文化精髓的越南使臣,为不辱使命,妥善处理与强大邻国清朝的关系,以为本国政权的巩固和安全提供保护,往往在遵循既存宗藩朝贡体制的前提下,为争取平等的双边话语权而煞费苦心。他们为整个清代中越双边关系的稳定发挥了重要作用。

The suzerain-vassal relation between China and Vietnam lasted from 1667 to 1885. During the 200 years, as a tributary state of China, Vietnam formally respected China as a superior sovereign. But in reality, it adopted a diplomatic policy of ＂inside as a monarch and outside as a vassal. ＂ This policy was designed to gain more national interest and to win a more ＂equal＂ status with China. Hence, every time when Vietnam paid tribute to China, the Vietnam court always fully prepared for the mission, especially the envoys. Those envoys fully understood Confucian teachings. As diplomatic specialists, they cautiously behaved in order to maintain good relations with the Heavenly dynasty. However, they also racked their brains to place Vietnam under an equal position with China. They played an important role in keeping a stable relation between the two countries.